Congratulations to author Philip M. Hoose who won the 2009 National Book Award for Young People's Literature for CLAUDETTE COLVIN: Twice Toward Justice.
Teens will relate to this unsung heroine of the Civil Rights Movement. 15 year old Claudette Colvin was arrested for not giving up her seat on a Montgomery bus several months before Rosa Parks became the icon of the Movement. A misunderstood teen who asked questions adults didn't want to answer, Claudette endured many insults and much isolation. Girls who suffer bad hair days will empathize with Claudette's decision to stop straightening her hair. It was considered an act of rebellion at the time. How would today's independent thinking thirteen year olds view this? What a lively discussion this could be!
The author does a brave and balanced job of bringing Claudette Colvin's story forward. What do your teen readers think?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A Box Filled with Magic-- Possibility
Remember your child's first birthday? What was the favorite gift? The wrapping paper, yes? Well, here's a novel idea and it's a picture book.
MAGIC BOX by Katie Cleminson. On her birthday, Eva is given...a box! She jumps in, becomes "a master magician," and starts to wish. That's when the fun begins. The ending iis fun, too, and it's all made possible by Eva's imagination. Be sure you have a big box handy for play time after you read this with your pre-schooler.
What kinds of adventures does your young reader imagine when given a magic box?
MAGIC BOX by Katie Cleminson. On her birthday, Eva is given...a box! She jumps in, becomes "a master magician," and starts to wish. That's when the fun begins. The ending iis fun, too, and it's all made possible by Eva's imagination. Be sure you have a big box handy for play time after you read this with your pre-schooler.
What kinds of adventures does your young reader imagine when given a magic box?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thanksgiving Then and Now
Who loves to discuss (and discuss!) more than middle school family members? Here's a question to keep them talking during the hustle bustle of Thanksgiving preparations.
"Do you think the Pilgrim and Indian story is true?"
And here's a book with answers:
THANKSGIVING: THE TRUE STORY by Penny Colman. From early harvest rites to today’s family gatherings, Colman studied primary materials and created a survey to contrast perceptions of Thanksgiving held by everyday people like us. Then she shared her own perceptions and discoveries as the research mounted. The author is no stranger to digging in the past. recreating experiences and leading readers to share them, as if they were there, too. See her other titles at http://www.pennycolman.com/
Do you have a favorite book about Thanksgiving that you share with your family as part of the tradition?
"Do you think the Pilgrim and Indian story is true?"
And here's a book with answers:
THANKSGIVING: THE TRUE STORY by Penny Colman. From early harvest rites to today’s family gatherings, Colman studied primary materials and created a survey to contrast perceptions of Thanksgiving held by everyday people like us. Then she shared her own perceptions and discoveries as the research mounted. The author is no stranger to digging in the past. recreating experiences and leading readers to share them, as if they were there, too. See her other titles at http://www.pennycolman.com/
Do you have a favorite book about Thanksgiving that you share with your family as part of the tradition?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Gathering Together
Almost forgotten in the crush of holiday festivities is a time to stop and contemplate our blessings. We are fortunate. To keep us from forgetting, we have an entire day set aside. Thanksgiving Day is dedicated to remembering all the good things in life.
THIS THE FEAST by Diane Z. Shore and illustrated by Megan Lloyd will introduce the youngest listeners to the history behind this day of gathering memories and family members together. Written in lyrical verse, the art is so inviting the reader will look for a place at the table. From crashing and thrashing on the rough, rolling seas to meeting and appreciating Squanto who shared his knowledge to harvesting from gardens leafy and green, the pilgrims make it clear their survival is reason to rejoice and be thankful.
What are you thankful for this year?
THIS THE FEAST by Diane Z. Shore and illustrated by Megan Lloyd will introduce the youngest listeners to the history behind this day of gathering memories and family members together. Written in lyrical verse, the art is so inviting the reader will look for a place at the table. From crashing and thrashing on the rough, rolling seas to meeting and appreciating Squanto who shared his knowledge to harvesting from gardens leafy and green, the pilgrims make it clear their survival is reason to rejoice and be thankful.
What are you thankful for this year?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Calling Reluctant Readers
Looking for a book for your middle school reader with no drugs, sex, or violence done to classmates? Of course, you'd want that young let-me-choose-it-myelf teen or tween to read it, right? Here's a great mystery that fills the bill.
THE MILES BETWEEN by Mary E. Pearson is an unpredictable mystery that builds to a powerful revelation. The reader will be certain he’s figured it out. Pearson is also the author of THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX which is being made into a movie. Jenna's story is futuristic and raises a number of issues to ponder and discuss. Again, the ending comes as a shock. Read them both and leave them in odd places around the house for your other reader(s) to discover.
Did you figure out the endings?
THE MILES BETWEEN by Mary E. Pearson is an unpredictable mystery that builds to a powerful revelation. The reader will be certain he’s figured it out. Pearson is also the author of THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX which is being made into a movie. Jenna's story is futuristic and raises a number of issues to ponder and discuss. Again, the ending comes as a shock. Read them both and leave them in odd places around the house for your other reader(s) to discover.
Did you figure out the endings?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Let's Pretend We're at the Library
Most libraries are future reader friendly. Many libraries host story times for the youngest set and these special events inspire parents to read more books, to their little wigglers and to themselves. Sharing a book about how to treat books would be a great way to prep your child before each visit, wouldn’t it?
READ IT, DON’T EAT IT! By Ian Schoenherr is exactly that book. A dog, a bear, and other animals young readers love to recognize show what NOT to do with a book–all in rhyming text and bright colors.
How did your last visit to story time turn out?
READ IT, DON’T EAT IT! By Ian Schoenherr is exactly that book. A dog, a bear, and other animals young readers love to recognize show what NOT to do with a book–all in rhyming text and bright colors.
How did your last visit to story time turn out?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Hillview School Library
